In this enlightening episode of the podcast, Louise Minchin, anchor of BBC1’s Breakfast programme, delves into her double life as both a seasoned broadcaster and an age group triathlete for Team GB. The discussion not only covers the challenges and triumphs in both fields but also unpacks Louise’s philosophy on performance, nerves, and daring to try.
The episode kicks off with a practical question: How does Louise manage sleep while juggling a high-pressure job and rigorous athletic training? Louise emphasizes the discipline required to optimize sleep, laying the foundation for success in both her career and sport.
Louise’s journey back to sport began with a need to reclaim a part of her life that was solely hers, away from the glare of the television cameras. This came to fruition in 2012, thanks to some encouragement from her fellow presenter, Bill Turnbull, and the endorphin boost she got from a visit to a velodrome.
Despite performing in front of 6 million people daily, Louise admits she still gets incredibly nervous at the start of a race. She shares some techniques she’s developed to handle those nerves, emphasizing that mental preparation is crucial in both broadcasting and triathlon. She delves into her earlier relationship with sport, revealing how concerns about body image made her quit swimming when she was younger. Now, in her 50s, she proudly celebrates her muscular, athletic body as a testament to her training.
The conversation then turns to Louise’s book “Dare to Tri.” Aimed at encouraging people to step out of their comfort zones, the book also documents Louise’s own moment of realization about her athletic abilities and the empowerment that comes with this journey. She notes the importance of cultivating resilience and confidence through experiences in and out of competition, and even mentions an unexpected but effective mental aid: the imagery of jellyfish!
Discussing her training routine, Louise gives credit to her coach, Claire, for providing structure and guidance. She talks about the euphoria and sense of community she experiences in competition, underlining that success for her isn’t necessarily about winning but about the overall adventure and connection with the outdoors.
Louise’s motivation to write “Dare to Tri” is rooted in inspiring others to exceed their own expectations and to be willing to fail in the process. She does not measure her achievements by the races won, but by the experiences gathered, including her memorable race in Patagonia, Chile.
The episode provides a holistic view of a woman who’s not only a familiar face on British television but also an accomplished athlete. Louise Minchin’s story is one of discipline, resilience, and, above all, the courage to “dare to try.”
ich has been written to encourage people to do exactly that and give something a go.
Show Notes
3:40 – Steve asks Louise that obvious question…What time does she go to sleep and get up?! She then gives us an insight into the discipline required to implement routines and habits to optimise sleep.
8:26 – Louise tells Steve about what sparked her return to exercise and sport and the need for a space in her life that was hers alone amidst incredible attentional demands at work on the big red sofa.
10:40 – Steve asks Louise to unpack the incredible demand she performs under in her role as a BBC news presenter.
15:10 – Louise then shares how she has habituated to nerves and some of the skills she has acquired in order to perform in triathlon and in front of 6 million people every day. But that doesn’t stop her getting ridiculously nervous at the beginning of a race!
19:40 – In 2012, Louise joined BBC Breakfast and with the help of fellow presenter Bill Turnbull, a velodrome and some endorphins, the spark to return to competitive sport was provided.
23:05 – Louise tells Steve about her athletic background and in particular her participation in swimming as youngster. Despite her love for the sport, Louise quit because of her perception of having a muscular body image.
25:40 – As a 50-year-old woman to be strong, muscular and to feel incredible as a result of training, is something Louise is now very proud of.
31:10 – Steve asks Louise about her book “Dare to Tri” and then asks when was the moment she started to realise she had true ability as an athlete?
35:30 – Steve and Louise then explore some of the significant moments Louise has acknowledged as particular experiences that have allowed her to develop resilience and confidence as a performing triathlete and the empowerment this brings.
39:06 – In her book, Louise states the importance of breathing and…jellyfish, when preparing for performance.
42:52 Louise shares with us her current level of training, what she is working towards next and delves into her past competitive experiences and the role of her coach, Claire.
47:30 Louise embraces the sense of community, taking part without dwelling on success and the feeling of euphoria in competition.
51:52 Louise’s motivation to inspire people through her book, daring to try, to exceed your own expectation, being willing to fail and to learn in whatever pursuit you may have.
58:20 – Louise does not define her success by races won but by the experience, the adventure, connecting with the outdoors. They then shift focus to what she is now setting her sights on and reflect back on the experience of racing in Patagonia, Chile.
Follow Louise on Twitter https://twitter.com/louiseminchin
Read Louise’s book “Dare to Tri”
https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/dare-to-tri-9781472961846/
Visit Louise’s website https://www.louiseminchin.com
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